12 Iconic Landscapes Only Found in Africa's Remote Corners

4. Simien Mountains, Ethiopia: Peaks Above the Clouds

Northern Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains rise with a grandeur that feels more Himalayan than African. Razor-sharp cliffs and deep valleys cut through high-altitude grasslands, often shrouded in drifting clouds or lit by shafts of golden sunrise. Home to a trio of rare mammals—the gelada baboon, the Walia ibex, and the Ethiopian wolf—the Simien Mountains are famed for their biodiversity. Ancient villages perch atop plateaus, their inhabitants practicing farming traditions passed down for centuries. Trekkers from around the world journey here for epic multi-day hikes, scaling peaks over 14,000 feet and traversing highland fields alive with wildflowers. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the region’s protection allows both nature and culture to thrive, ensuring future generations can continue to marvel at its wild beauty. The Simiens invite those seeking challenge, wonder, and a true mountaintop experience.